Berlin, Warsaw agree to tighten sanctions against Minsk
Olaf Scholz and Donald Tusk
July 13, Pozirk. German and Polish officials agreed during discussions in Warsaw on July 2 on an action plan that includes a commitment to develop “a comprehensive EU strategy on Belarus, including a roadmap for future democratic reforms in the country.”
The plan, published by the governments of the two countries, includes a chapter on Belarus.
Berlin and Warsaw also pledged to “enhance sanction measures” against Minsk, reflecting the EU’s “gradual and targeted approach, both in terms of individual and sectoral sanctions.”
Germany and Poland said they would continue monitoring the ongoing political and military integration of Belarus and Russia as well as its implications for regional security.
“We will strive to prevent Belarus from acting as a facilitator of sanctions evasion by the Russian Federation,” the plan stressed.
Focusing on the support of Belarusian civil society, independent media, exiled Belarusians and pro-democracy forces, Germany and Poland promised to counter disinformation and Minsk’s aggressive rhetoric.
The plan stressed the need of “maintaining the EU’s openness for people-to-people contacts and mobility for civil society exchanges,” along with the issue of humanitarian visas to those fleeing reprisals.
Berlin, Paris soften new EU sanctions against Minsk – reports
June 27, Pozirk. Germany and "some other" exporters forced the European Union to ease new sanctions against Belarus, tagesspiegel.de reported after the EU ambassadors had agreed on new restrictions against Minsk on Wednesday. The new package was designed to combat …